Shannon Geisen, Park Rapids Enterprise Journalist Profile

Articles

Sec. of State heralds Minnesota's voting record, but warns about SAVE Act

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS) Steve Simon visited Park Rapids on Tuesday, June 3, touting the state’s superior election laws and pro-voting culture. He also discussed potential barriers to voting posed by the proposed SAVE Act, then sought feedback from the audience. A number of former and current city and county officials attended. A live stream of the event is posted at www.parkrapidsenterprise.com.
Hubbard County readies for colorized mulch production

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Successful grant applications are allowing the Hubbard County Solid Waste Department to expand its recycling/composting and wood waste utilization programs. On Tuesday, June 3, the Hubbard County Board authorized the purchase of a mulch colorizer. Solid Waste Administrator Josh Holte explained it’s configured to work with an existing horizontal grinder for mulch production.
Hubbard County raises court-appointed attorney compensation

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Hubbard County is struggling to find attorneys willing to take child protection cases, according to Court Administrator Carissa Scholz. “We get a lot of nos due to the current rate,” she told county commissioners at the Tuesday, June 3 meeting. With a compensation rate of $75 per hour for court-appointed attorneys, Scholz said Hubbard County has the lowest rate in the 11-county area. She noted Beltrami and Cass counties recently increased to $125 per hour.
Bid awarded for CSAH 7 and 40 roundabout

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

The Hubbard County Board accepted a $1,455,834 bid from Gladen Construction Inc. of Laporte to construct a roundabout at the intersection of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 7 and CSAH 40. The intersection is located about 4 miles north of Dorset.
Nevis veteran delivers golden message to vets

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Chuck Durham, a Vietnam veteran, is on a mission. The Nevis resident is determined to welcome veterans home. Durham was a 20-year-old serviceman when the Tet Offensive landed at his compound. And while he wasn’t met by protesters when he returned to the U.S., he has heard plenty of stories from those who never received a warm greeting. About a year ago, Durham discovered a coin in a VFW supply catalog. Its message is simple.
New fisheries supervisor joins Park Rapids area DNR

3 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

As the new Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries supervisor, Carl Pedersen manages the Park Rapids area’s roughly 100 lakes. Pedersen met with Hubbard County Coalition of Lakes Association members last week, explaining that his district mostly covers Hubbard County, but also a bit of Cass and Becker counties. He resides on Horseshoe Lake, near Laporte. Pedersen’s grandfather, a commercial fisherman in Massachusetts, inspired his love for fisheries.
Menahga School Board approves bus repairs

4 weeks ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

The Menahga School Board held a special meeting on Wednesday, May 28 to approve a bus repair estimate, totalling $10,067. North Central Upfitting will perform the rust and body repair. The board also approved a basketball court estimate, not to exceed $10,000. Finally, they accepted a $500 donation from the Menahga Lions for Summer Targeted Services.
Native prairie plants flourish in Laporte

1 month ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Laporte’s “native prairie trek” is blossoming. In 2022, Trinity Lutheran Church of Laporte agreed to convert a quarter-acre of its property for the project. A mix of prairie grasses and flower seeds were hand sown in November 2022. “It has grown and is blooming with a variety of grasses and flowers,” reports Roselyn Albers.
What small Minnesota town is candy-coated with sculptures, murals and movie magic?

1 month ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Alex Haddon |Robin Fish |Shannon Geisen

PARK RAPIDS, Minn. — Park Rapids is the gateway to miles of lakes and pine forests, but travelers might want to take a long pit stop in the small town because its downtown has some unique charm, starting with its old-fashioned sparkle. The most striking downtown feature is the bright red, retro sign of Park Theater. In the evenings, its flashing lights can be seen all the way across the river from Heartland Park.
Menahga's fallen veterans saluted on Memorial Day

1 month ago | parkrapidsenterprise.com | Shannon Geisen

Brice Niska embraced his aunts, Joanie Nason and Jeanne Bjornson, as they laid a wreath in honor of his late father Steve Liimatta. Liimatta served in Vietnam and was active in the Menahga VFW Post for years. He served several terms as commander there as well as at the Wolf Lake VFW. Liimatta passed away in July 2024. He was among the five local veterans recognized during Menahga’s Memorial Day program on Monday, May 26.